Tom Hiddleston's autopsy research

Tom Hiddleston shadowed a forensic pathologist as research for playing a doctor in 'High-Rise'

Tom Hiddleston attended autopsies to prepare for his role in 'High-Rise'.

The 35-year-old actor shadowed a forensic pathologist as research for playing a doctor in the dystopian drama and found the experience both "fascinating and disturbing".

Discussing his preparations, he said: "First I played some extra games of squash.

"I also spent a day with a forensic pathologist and he took me into his workplace where I watched autopsies being performed.

"Visiting the pathologist and seeing a human body cut open was fascinating and disturbing. I called Ben [Wheatley, director] and told him he should come by one day. He said, 'No thanks'. "

Tom admitted it eventually became "very difficult" watching dead bodies being carved up, but he was particularly interested in observing the pathologist at work.

He said: "At some point it became very difficult to keep watching human bodies being opened up and all of our human engineering being exposed.

"What was probably most interesting is how a pathologist proceeds with his work and goes about his job like a mechanic taking apart a car engine - except in his profession he's taking apart a human body."

The 'Night Manager' star always enjoys researching his characters.

He told Britain's OK! magazine: "Doing the research is one of the things I love and one of the most joyful parts of being an actor.

"It was especially important in a film like this where ordinary motivations and psychology do not necessarily apply."